Held in Ashdown Park Hotel this year, the competition brought together the very best of Ireland’s craft butchery talent, showcasing exceptional creativity, skill, and innovation across both burger and kebab categories.
In the first of its kind event, the entries from across the country were prepared and assembled by acclaimed head chef Andrew O’Gorman and his expert culinary team, after the participants supplied the meat.
This method, where one professional culinary team cook every entry, ensures that every burger and kebab is grilled under the same conditions temperature, timing, so the judging is fair.
A panel of over 12 judges then evaluated each entry on taste, presentation, originality, and overall appeal.
The National Burger of the Year award was awarded to Kennedy Craft Butchers in Bunclody for their Angus Chuck and Bone Marrow 6oz Steak Burger.
Kennedy Craft Butchers was founded by Alan Kennedy in 2021 and since then has grown from strength to strength.
Besides winning a number of awards over recent years, Alan has also chosen to harness the power of social media – using the business’ social media pages to connect with his customers and audience with regular posts of high-quality videos, podcast recordings and live demonstrations.
He believes the use of media platforms is paramount to reaching people and getting younger people more interested in the craft.
A number of award categories were up for grabs at the inaugural Burger and Kebab of the Year Competition 2026.
Head chef Andrew O’Gorman said: “It was an honour to judge such an incredible range of entries. The level of innovation and flavour was exceptional — a true testament to the talent within the industry.”
Jack Molloy, President of the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland added that they were impressed by the high-level of talent and quality of meat across the country on show in one place.
“This competition has exceeded all expectations in its first year. The quality, creativity, and dedication on display highlight the strength and future of craft butchery in Ireland,” he said.
A number of fellow Wexford butchers were also honoured at the ceremony.
In the Gold Award Burgers category winners included; Stafford Craft Butchers (Enniscorthy) for their Steak Burger, Furlongs Family Butchers (Gorey) for their Feta and Spinach Turkey Burger, Saucy Butchers (Wexford) for their Ribeye Burger, Ribeye Smash Burger, and Jack Daniels Ribeye Burger, Kennedys Craft Butchers were also honoured for their Raman’s Recipe 4oz Steak Burger, and Butchers Best (New Ross) received the Gold Award for their Hereford Steak Burger and Whiskey Steak Burger.
Silver Awards in the Burger category were also given to Furlong’s Family Butchers (Gorey) for their Flame Grill Burger, Saucy Butchers (Wexford) for their Guinness and Caramelised Onion Burger, Kennedys Craft Butchers for their Angus Steak Burger, and Butchers Best (New Ross) for their Chargrill Steak Burger.
The Bronze award was presented to Stafford Craft Butchers (Enniscorthy)for their Ballymoo Steak Burger and Butchers Best (New Ross) for the Chargrill Turkey Breast Burger.
Awards were also given for Kebab products with Stafford Craft Butchers’ BBQ Beef Meat Stick and Furlongs Family Butchers’ Sirloin Steak Kebab taking home the Gold Award.
Furlongs Family Butchers was honoured in the Silver category for their Pork Steak Kebab.